Sports training aid and method

ABSTRACT

A training aid and method assists players with shooting and ball control. A sleeve is positioned on the players arm and/or wrist. The sleeve includes markings for positioning the arm for shooting. The markings allow the player to see and be aware of the arm position while sighting the basket and shooting the basketball. The markings may include a line, dot or other marking useful in positioning the arm. The training aid may also include a squeaker in the palm. The squeaker will sound if the player fails to properly use the fingers for dribbling, shooting, passing and catching.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to training aids for sports. More particularly, it relates to a training aid for use of fingers and arms in using a ball, such as in basketball.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Repetitive drills are a common learning technique used in teaching a sport. The drills help players to develop the muscular motions and hand or foot and eye coordination necessary for proper actions in that sport. Various teaching aids have been developed for assisting a player to develop the necessary skills. There are many such teaching aids for various sports. However, most such teaching aids can only be used while practicing; they cannot be used when actually playing the sport. Basketball is a sport for which various training aids have been developed. These training aids include ones relating to shooting and controlling of the ball. As with training aids for all sports, they typically are unusable in a game situation. Therefore, it becomes difficult for a player to utilize the skills learned in practice at game time.

Various techniques are used in shooting a basketball which improves the ability of the player to get the ball successfully in the basket. The position of the shooting hand and arm are important in the process. Poor positioning of the arm and hand can result in poor performance. A major problem in training young basketball players is that of initiating the use of proper shooting techniques which thereafter become habitual and are automatically followed as the players' shooting skills are developed. Many players do not have the opportunity for training as they are learning and practicing the techniques. A player who develops improper shooting habits has greater difficulty learning proper techniques which can improve his or her game.

The novice tends not to be aware of proper arm and elbow placement, before, during and after the shot. They fail to properly align the arm, wrist, hand, and basket as is necessary for a proper shot.

Various training aids have been created to aid the basketball player in developing the proper shooting position. Such training aids include parts which connect to the user's arms to hold them in the proper position or to prevent other motions. Such training aids are cumbersome and difficult to use. Some include parts which connect the arms together. Others connect the arms to the torso. Others control the angle of the elbow and wrist of the shooting hand. These shooting aids can only be used when practicing shooting. They interfere with other motions necessary for learning basketball, such as dribbling. They cannot be used to develop shooting skills under game type conditions. They also cannot be used during an actual basketball game. While they may help position the user's arms, they do not help the player learn to judge the arm position when the training aid is not used.

Another important technique for basketball is the use of fingers for ball control. Novice players tend to utilize the entire hand, including the palm, for dribbling, passing, catching and shooting. This makes it more difficult to control the ball. Various devices have been developed to help position a player's hand so that the fingers are properly used. One such device is a glove with curved fingers. The glove prevents the user from straightening the fingers, so that the ball cannot contact the palm. Other devices are positioned in front of the palm. These devices prevent the user from contacting the ball with the palm. Such devices may help a user to properly position his hands, but they do not help the user learn to keep that position, particularly when the training aid is removed. The training aids cannot be used effectively during game type situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a training aid includes a sleeve positioned on the forearm of the user. Markings are placed on the sleeve to indicate the position of the arm for shooting. According to another aspect of the invention, the markings may include a line, dot, or combination thereof. According to another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is a shooting sleeve covering the forearm from the wrist to the bicep. According to another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is wristband positioned solely near the wrist. According to another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is an armband covering a portion of the forearm. According to another aspect of the invention, two sleeves with markings are positioned at different locations on the forearm.

According to another aspect of the invention, a training method includes a marking on the forearm of a user. The user aligns the markings along the line of sight to the basket. According to another aspect of the invention, the user aligns a line along the forearm with the line of sight, thus keeping the elbow in. According to another aspect of the invention, the user keeps the line along the line of sight through follow through of the shot. According to another aspect of the invention, the user releases the shot when a marking reaches the line of sight. According to another aspect of the invention, the marking may be positioned at different locations along the forearm corresponding to different shot heights or release points.

According to another aspect of the invention, a training aid includes a glove which covers the palm of the hand. A squeaker is attached to the glove so as to be over the palm. According to another aspect of the invention, an audible indication occurs when a ball is too close to the palm of the hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a shooting training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates use of the shooting training aid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a shooting training aid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate uses of a training aid to control shot height according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate variations of a shooting aid according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and back views respectively of a ball control aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate combined shooting and ball control aids according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a training aid and method for use in developing skills in basketball. Variations of the present invention may be used in training aids for other sports as well. Training aids according to the present invention are useful in assisting a player with shooting and ball control.

According to an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a training aid 1 used as a shooting aid to help a player align his/her arm correctly during the shooting process and thereby increase his/her accuracy and shooting percentage. The training aid 1 includes a sleeve 10 having markings 20 thereon. The sleeve 10 is worn on the shooting arm 2 of the player. The markings 20 are positioned to assist the shooting in properly aligning his/her arm. As discussed below, various markings 20 and combinations of markings may be used with the training aid. Preferably, the markings 20 consist of a line extending from the wrist 5 to the inside crease of the elbow 4 of the arm.

A purpose of the training aid is to give the shooter a guide and/or point of reference on the shooting arm that the eye can see and the mind can use to gage arm and elbow placement during the shooting motion. This shooting aid can help train the eye to see and the mind to subconsciously tell the body where the arm is and help make proper adjustments immediately during the shooting motion. It helps bring awareness of arm position and helps with mental focus during the shot, thus, providing for better muscle memory.

FIG. 2 illustrates use of the training aid and method for improving shot performance. The training aid 1 is positioned on the arm 2 of the shooter so that the markings 20 extend along the forearm. The markings 20 are positioned to point from the center of the elbow to the space between the thumb and index finger of the shooter. In shooting, the shooter, aligns the markings 20 along the line of sight 6 to the basket 9. In so doing, the basketball 8 is aligned properly for a shot. The training aid 1 helps give the eye a better “line of sight” during the shot, like when a marksman looks down the barrel of a rifle or through a scope when using a gun. This “scoping” mechanism and method helps the shooter line up and shoot the ball with greater precision. It also helps the user maintain a consistent height corresponding to the user's preference, ability and strength.

Many variations for the sleeve 10 and the markings 20 can be used for the training aid 1. A shooting sleeve has become popular among basketball players over the past few years due to their use by professional basketball players. A shooting sleeve provides warmth, support, protection, and moisture control. It has also become fashionable to wear a shooting sleeve. The training aid 1 can be incorporated into a shooting sleeve. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sleeve 10 can extend from the wrist 5 to the bicep 3. It may include a pad over the elbow for protection and comfort. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sleeve 11 may be short and cover only a portion of the forearm of the shooter. The sleeve and markings may be of various materials and colors based upon uses and/or fashion. Preferably, the markings are of a color which contrasts with the sleeve so that they are easily visible. In the previous embodiments, the sleeve 10 is a separate device worn by the shooter. However, it may also be incorporated into other clothing worn by the shooter. For example, the sleeve 10 may also be part of the jersey worn by the shooter. It may also be incorporated into a wristband or armband typically worn by the shooter.

To use the training aid 1, the sleeve 10 is placed over the arm 2 of the shooter. The position of the markings 20 can be adjusted along the arm and from side to side. The position of the markings 20 will depend upon personal preference for shot position. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the shooter may position the sleeve 12 near the wrist 5 for a lower shot release point. The sleeve 13 may be positioned near the elbow for a higher shot release point, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The markings 20, 22, 23 are positioned nearly aligned with the index finger or the space between the index finger and thumb. Of course, the training aid 1 can be adjusted to position the markings 20, 22, 23 at a desirable position for the shooter. The shooter can take several shots, such as from the free throw line, to determine the best placement of the markings for that shooter. The shooter may adjust the training aid each time it is worn, or may position the training aid at a position determined during a prior wearing. A coach may assist the shooter in properly positioning the training aid. Preferably, the markings are positioned on the sleeve so that when the sleeve is worn, the markings are at an acceptable position for typical shooters so that adjustment is unnecessary.

When shooting with the training aid 1, the shooter should focus on the rim of basket 9. The shooter will notice the markings on the sleeve 10 as he/she shoots. The markings are used as a reference point for awareness and accuracy during the shooting process. The markings help the shooter line up his/her shooting arm with the basket and help with proper elbow placement, i.e. inward, during the shot. The shooter does not look directly at the markings on the training aid during the shot, but uses it only as a visual reference point to help with mental awareness and focus. When focusing on shooting the basketball and the basket, the markings can be seen with peripheral vision as the shooting arm is moving up through the shot. This awareness helps with proper arm/elbow placement and motion.

The markings 20 may be of different shapes, sizes, and configurations in order to aid with shooting. The markings may depend upon user preference and the characteristics of a user's shooting technique. As shown in FIG. 1, a line is an acceptable marking 20, particular for young or novice players. The line marking 20 may also be useful for players with a more fluid shooting motion that starts below the eyes and quickly moves up past their eyes. The line marking 20 provides a full visual reminder of proper position. The elbow is kept in so that the line marking 20 is vertical. It is to remain vertical during the follow through. The line marking provides a guide or sight to help the player become more consistent with his/her elbow and arm position and placement through the entire shot.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the marking 21 may be a dot. A dot may be preferable for more experienced players. The dot marking 21 may also be useful for players who raise the ball above the head before shooting. The dot marking 21 is aligned with the basket, as with the line, to indicate the desired shooting position. A dot marking 21 allows a shorter sleeve 11 to be used, which some users may find more comfortable. Of course, a dot marking 21 could be used on a full length shooting sleeve 10. The dot marking 21 may be adjusted to control the shooting height. A wristband 12 may be used as a training aid, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The wristband 12 is positioned by the wrist 5 of the shooter. The dot marking 22 is then also positioned near the wrist 5. When the shooter aligns the dot marking 22 positioned near the wrist 5 with the basket the dot marking 22 may be more readily seen by players with a lower ball shooting position. A forearm band 13 may also be used as illustrated in FIG. 4B. With a forearm band, the dot marking 23 is positioned closer to the elbow 4. When the shooter aligns the dot marking 23 with the basket, the shot occurs at a higher position. The training aid may be formed of an expandable material which can be positioned anywhere on the forearm. With a dot marking, the marking can be positioned along the forearm to provide a desirable release height for the shooter.

Of course, other combinations of sleeve and marking designs can be used for different purposes. FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate several embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 5A, the training aid includes two sleeves 15, 16. Both sleeves 15, 16 include dot markings 25, 26. One sleeve 15 is positioned near the wrist; the other sleeve 16 is positioned near the elbow. The two dot markings 25, 26 can provide the similar alignment information as a line, as well as indicating shot height information. In FIG. 5B, a shorter sleeve 17 is used with a line marking 27. The length of the sleeve 17 does not matter as long as it sufficient to include the desired marking. FIG. 5C illustrates a training aid which combines different marking types. The sleeve 18 includes a line marking 28 and a dot marking. With this embodiment, the position of the arm and elbow are represented as well as the desired shot height. The dot 29 is illustrated at the end of the line 28. However, the dot may be at any position along the line depending upon the desired shot height.

The dot markings have been illustrated as circles. Of course, other shapes, such as squares, triangles, diamonds, and ovals, could be used. Different shapes may be used on a single sleeve at different locations for different shot heights. In this manner, a single sleeve may be used by individuals who desire different shot heights. Dot markings of different colors may be similarly used.

The markings may be formed in a variety of manners. They may be formed directly on the sleeve, such as by printing on the fabric of the sleeve. They may be woven into the sleeve. They may include a sticky material or glue on one side which can be permanently affixed to the sleeve. They may include an iron-on material. With attachable materials, the user can position the markings in a desirable position before use. The markings may include a removable connection mechanism, such as Velcro, so that they can be positioned upon the sleeve, or upon other clothing. Alternatively, the markings may be formed of a material which is attachable to the skin. Thus, the markings may be applied directly to the arms of the shooter without the use of a sleeve.

Another embodiment of the training aid 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. this embodiment is used to develop ball control. For ball control, the player needs to use his/her fingers when dribbling, passing and catching. However, novice players tend to use the entire hand, particularly the palm, for such actions. This results in decreased control. The training aid 100 provides an audible indication when the player improperly uses the palm. The sound feedback from the training aid is immediate and assists the user in adjusting the fingers appropriately.

The audible indication is provided by a squeaker 120 which is positioned in front of the palm. The squeaker 120 is a sealed structure with flexible, resilient sides. At least one noisemaker 121 is connected to the structure. When the basketball contacts the squeaker 120, air is forced from the structure through the noisemaker 121 providing an audible sound. The sides of the structure return to their former position, drawing air back in through the noisemaker. Preferably, the sides of the structure are sufficiently flexible to provide an audible indication with minimal contact from the basketball. Additionally, the squeaker 120 is sized to fit within and to be close to the palm.

The squeaker 120 is held in place by a glove 110. Preferably, the squeaker is permanently connected to the glove 110, such as being attached to the interior of the glove or placed within layers of the glove 110. Alternatively, a pocket may be formed on the exterior or interior of the glove 110. The pocket is sized to receive the squeaker 120. The squeaker 120 may also be attachable to the front of the glove 110. The pocket and/or attachment mechanism may be sized to accommodate different squeaker sizes based upon preference and/or hand size.

The glove 110 is formed to cover the palm of the hand without covering the fingers or thumb. The glove 110 may include an opening 111 for the thumb and an opening 112 for the fingers. The opening for the fingers 112 may extend across the entire palm, or may include separate openings for each finger. The glove 110 may be formed of a resilient material so that it may be stretched over the hand. It may include a removable connector 113 which wraps from the front to the back off the glove above the thumb.

The training aid 100 helps a basketball player learn proper dribbling techniques, mainly, using the fingers and wrist and not the palm of the hand. If the ball hits the palm area too hard it will cause the squeaker 120 to make a noise, and thus, alerting the player to make an adjustment immediately to correct dribbling error. The training aid 100 will teach a player how to correctly handle a basketball and will help the player strengthen his/her fingers. The training aid 100 also helps a player develop proper fundamentals when shooting, passing and catching the ball, when the fingers are to be used. A player may want to wear the training aid 100 on both hands/arms.

The shooting and ball control training aids may be combined into a single structure as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. A training aid 200 may include a sleeve 210 which extends past the wrist 5 onto the palm of the hand. The palm end of the sleeve 210 may be formed as the glove 110 of the prior embodiment. A squeaker (not shown) is positioned in front of the palm. A line marking 220 is positioned on the sleeve 210. The line marking 220 is used when shooting as with the shooting training aid 1. The squeaker is used for ball control. When a player's shooting height is near the wrist, the training aid 250 may be limited to a glove 260 which extends past the wrist. The glove 260 includes a squeaker in the palm and a dot marking 270 near the wrist.

The training aids of the present invention can be used by players during practice, in scrimmages and game-type practice, and during actual games. The training aids do not interfere with normal control of the basketball. The training aids of the present invention may also be used, with appropriate modification, for use in other sports which required arm positioning and/or finger control of a ball. For example, the sleeve with markings may be used by quarterbacks to control throwing a football. It may also be used by golfers or tennis players for properly aligning the arm and club or racket. The squeaker can be used to ensure that any type of ball is controlled by the fingers rather than the palm. For example, it may be used by baseball, football, or volleyball players which must control the ball with the fingers.

Having disclosed at least one embodiment of the present invention, various adaptations, modifications, additions, and improvements will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such adaptations, modifications, additions and improvements are considered part of the invention which is only limited by the several claims attached hereto. 

1. A sport training aid comprising: a sleeve covering at least a portion of a forearm of a user; and a marking on the sleeve indicating a position of the forearm for an action in a sport.
 2. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the action in the sport is shooting a basketball.
 3. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve includes a shooting sleeve covering the entire forearm of the user.
 4. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the marking includes a line extending along the forearm.
 5. The sport training aid according to claim 3 wherein the line is aligned between a forefinger and a crease of an elbow of the user.
 6. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve includes a wristband.
 7. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the marking includes a dot.
 8. The sport training aid according to claim 7 wherein the dot is positioned at a height for shooting the basketball.
 9. The sport training aid according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve can be adjusted to adjust the position of the marking along the forearm.
 10. The sport training aid according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve extends over a portion of the palm of the user, and wherein the sport training aid further comprises a squeaker attached to sleeve so as to be positioned over the palm of the user.
 11. The sport training aid according to claim 10, wherein the squeaker is sized to emit a noise when if the basketball approaches too close to the palm.
 12. A sport training aid comprising: a glove covering a portion of a palm of a user; and a squeaker attached to the glove so as to be positioned over the palm of the user.
 13. The sport training aid according to claim 12 wherein the squeaker is sized to emit a noise when if a sport item approaches too closely to the palm of the user.
 14. The sport training aid according to claim 13 wherein the sport item includes a ball.
 15. The sport training aid according to claim 14, wherein the ball includes a basketball.
 16. A sport training method comprising the steps of: positioning a marking on a forearm of a player; aligning the marking at a position for performing an action in the sport; performing the action when the marking is aligned.
 17. The sport training method according to claim 16, wherein the action includes shooting a basketball.
 18. The sport training method according to claim 16 wherein the marking includes a line.
 19. The sport training method according to claim 16 wherein the marking includes a dot. 